'Headless Cross' sees 'Black Sabbath' retaining the services of vocalist 'Tony Martin' and thereby making it the first 'Sabbath' album since 'Mob Rules' to feature the same frontman for a second album. Again he turns in a good display on a decent release that in my mind is just short of memorable. Lyrically they stick to the Myth & Legend / Creatures of the Night script that is well used throughout the 'Tony Martin' era, at times it works pretty well but occasional seems overdone and blatant.

An atmospheric foreboding intro by the name of 'Gates of Hell' kick starts the album, similar to 'E5150' from 'Mob Rules' but not quite as good. The first full track takes the form of 'Headless Cross' and this epic doesn't disappoint, vocally 'Tony Martin' is really pushed on this difficult track but as always comes out sounding strong yet melodic, he is well supported throughout as the rhythm section lay down a mean chug, to make for a quality track. Even better in my opinion is the cracking yet overlooked single release 'Devil and Daughter', the briskest track present and despite some cliché lyrics is my pick of the disc. The galloping rhythm and forceful fret work blends excellently with 'Tony Martin's' soaring vocals for another understated 'Sabbath' gem. The pace drops for the brooding 'When Death Calls', initially I find this track pretty dull and laboured, fortunately however it picks up pace throughout and turns into hard rocking classic, 'Brian May' also features for an excellent guitar solo that slots into the song effortlessly. Side two regrettably doesn't continue in the excellent fashion of the first, 'Kill in the Spirit World' sounds disjointed with a Pop Metal approach and overall doesn't work for me. 'Call in the Wild' continues in similar fashion albeit a little better, but with a flat chorus and some shoddy harmonies doesn't do it for me. Improvements are made with the bluesy 'Black Moon', again the lyrics are very characteristic of the 'Tony Martin' era, but here they work pretty well, 'Cozy Powell' and 'Laurence Cottle' turn in creditable performances for a non-typical but decent effort. Last up is 'Nightwing' a mellower laid back number that seems to be a favourite with the 'Tony Martin' fans, personally it's an ok track, but for me fails to go that extra mile, 'Tony Iommi's' guitar work both electric and acoustic is a highpoint though.

The 'B' side to 'Headless Cross' (the single) is a tasty little track called 'Cloak and Dagger', I think it's worth mentioning as I believe it's still available on a Japanese version of this album. Anyway it should have made album status, this chorus heavy plodder is a powerfully sung bluesy rocker with mean riff and solo work.

Another solid release, but again it falls short of past glories. The first half has the makings of an impressive album, but the second half is weaker and with only seven full tracks is a little light. Nevertheless there's some impressive cuts that will sate the hunger of those who like late 80's Melodic Metal and 'Sabbath' fans who appreciate their work without 'Ozzy'.